By Katalina Siasau
A Cabinet minister and an Noble were suspended from Parliament this morning, 4 August, after a heated argument in the House boiled over.
The Minister for Police, Hon. Piveni Piukala, and Vava’u Noble’s Representative no. 2, Lord Tu’ilakepa have been suspended from the Legislative Assembly for five days.
The Speaker, Lord Fakafanua ordered the suspension according with the Rules of Procedures of the Legislative Assembly, Clause 49 (2A).
The argument began when People’s Rep. Tongatapu 3, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and Vava’u 15 Hon. Samiu Vaipulu raised concerns about the urgency of one of three urgent Government Bills tabled into Parliament today, the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Bill 2025.
Lord Tu’ilakepa agreed with the MPs, which led to a heated argument with the Minister, Hon. Piukala.
Lord Tu’ilakepa told the Minister to "calm down.”
The Speaker then turned off the audio from the live broadcast of the House for about a minute.
When the audio resumed, Piukala's voice was heard, and he was threatening to hit the Noble.
The Speaker then ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the Minister out.
The Speaker then suspended both Piukala and Lord Tu’ilakepa.
Lord Tu’ilakepa addressed the Speaker and apologized.
He told the House that he felt the Police Minister had been planning to attack him.
Safety and order of the House
When the House resumed at 2:00pm, the Tongatapu Noble’s Rep. no.1 Lord Vaea expressed concerned about the scuffle and that no action was taken during the dispute to stop the Minister and the Noble.
He noted that typically, the Speaker would step down and the House would halt proceedings until matters are resolved.
Lord Vaea then highlighted the presence of the Crown Prince and the Women Ministers for Internal Affairs and Health, emphasizing the concern that the House continued its sitting despite the incident.
He lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker regarding the safety and order within the House, which Lord Fakafanua referred to the Chair of the Privileges Committee.
The House proceedings will continue this week until Thursday, which then MPs will start their campaign for the general election in November, starting next week.
